Interesting note!


The first electronic components were developed by Mavic and ridden in the 1992 Tour de France by the ONCE and RMO teams. Called the Zap Mavic System (ZMS), it launched publicly the following year allowing riders to adjust the rear derailleur using two small buttons mounted to a specially designed handlebar that also housed the battery system.

The following year Campagnolo started testing a similar system - the difference being that instead of relying on electromagnets to maneuver the derailleur, Campagnolo used a small actuator motor. This design was patented in Italy in 1994 and worldwide in 1996.

Both companies continued to refine their designs until 1999 when Mavic released their Mektronic system - the first 'wireless' system which integrated the computer, shifters and rear derailleur in a wire-free electronic system.

Campagnolo went one better later that year, releasing details of their first ever fully electronic groupset with both derailleurs being cable free and capable of both up and down shifts. The design was patented in early 1999 and first sighted in the pro peloton in late 2001 / early 2002.